A Feminist Perspective on the Lack of Full Ordination for Burmese Buddhist Nuns

Authors

Darbee Nicole Hagerty, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

Religious Studies

First Advisor's Name

Steven M. Vose

First Advisor's Committee Title

Major Professor

Second Advisor's Name

Christine Gudorf

Second Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Oren Stier

Third Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Keywords

Arts and Humanities, Buddhist Studies, Ethics in Religion, Histories of Religions of Eastern Origins, Religion

Date of Defense

3-31-2016

Abstract

This thesis examines the position of Buddhist nuns (thila-shins) in contemporary Burmese society. The Sangha, a branch of the Burmese state, has disallowed them from seeking full ordination as bhikkhunis. Based on interviews and observations conducted in Myanmar in June-July 2015, the thesis examines the current socioeconomic status of thila-shins using a transnational feminist framework. It argues that Burmese Buddhist nuns are not simply passive victims of a patriarchal structure, but agents and actors within their own spaces who have their own agendas. The central questions are: How do thila-shins understand their social, economic, and religious position? How does ordination status affect thila-shins? Is barring thila-shins from seeking full ordination ethical according to Buddhist texts? Special emphasis is given to a rereading of traditional Buddhist doctrine on the issue of reviving full ordination for Buddhist nuns in light of concerns regarding agency present in Third World feminist movements.

Identifier

FIDC000289

Recommended Citation

Hagerty, Darbee Nicole, "A Feminist Perspective on the Lack of Full Ordination for Burmese Buddhist Nuns" (2016). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2435.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2435